Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the top of each apple.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, heavy cream, corn syrup, and sea salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves.
3. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Insert the candy thermometer into the mixture and continue cooking until it reaches 240°F (soft ball stage).
4. Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Dip each apple into the caramel mixture, swirling to coat evenly. Allow any excess caramel to drip off before placing the apples onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Allow the caramel to cool and harden before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat for cooking the caramel mixture
- 240°F for the soft ball stage
Serving size:
- 6 caramel apples
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be used instead of granulated sugar
- Salted butter can be used instead of unsalted butter
- Light corn syrup can be used instead of regular corn syrup
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts or sprinkles to the caramel coating for added texture and flavor
- Drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled caramel apples for a decadent twist
Tips and tricks:
- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the caramel from burning
- Work quickly when dipping the apples into the caramel to prevent it from hardening too quickly
- Allow the caramel to cool slightly before dipping the apples to prevent them from becoming too hot to handle
Storage instructions:
- Store the caramel apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Allow the caramel apples to come to room temperature before serving. If desired, warm them in the microwave for a few seconds to soften the caramel.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the caramel apples on a platter lined with fall leaves or hay for a festive touch.
Garnishes:
- Crushed nuts, sprinkles, or drizzled chocolate can be used as garnishes.
Pairings:
- Serve the caramel apples with a glass of cold milk or hot apple cider.
Suggested side dishes:
- These caramel apples make a great dessert on their own, but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of warm apple pie.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel becomes too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out.
- If the caramel becomes too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the desired consistency.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when handling the hot caramel mixture to prevent burns.
- Store the caramel apples in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
- Caramel apples have been a popular fall treat in the United States since the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
- The Orcik Caramel Apples have a sweet and buttery caramel coating that pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the caramel apples as a dessert at a fall-themed party or as a fun treat for kids.
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Taste: Sweet, Creamy, Caramelized, Nutty, Tart